Europe prices

Europe is famously home to some of the most expensive cities on earth for the traveler, but there are also some fantastic bargains as well. Generally speaking, the farther north you go the more expensive things get, though there are a few exceptions. The former East also remains comparitively cheap though the gap seems to close more each year.

Seasons also obviously play a huge role in travel costs for Europe. Most of the continent is jammed with holiday-makers during July and August, though some larger cities in the south actually empty out a bit and are good bargains if you can put up with the sweltering heat. Unfortunately, some cities, especially in the north, have such challenging weather during the off season that there's no point in even trying.

Europe travel prices

Austria

Vienna costs – A classic old European city with grand palaces

Belgium

Bruges costs – A small and touristy town that's definitely worth a look
Brussels costs – Often considered boring by those who don't love unusual beers and chocolate

Bulgaria

Sofia costs – One of Europe's cheapest capitals is gaining in popularity

Croatia

Dubrovnik costs – Hard to reach and touristy but still wonderful
Zagreb costs – A modern look at the former East

Czech Republic

Prague costs – Gorgeous but not nearly as cheap as it once was

Denmark

Copenhagen costs – Stunning city and residents for those who can afford it

England

London costs – Required stop for good reasons

Estonia

Tallinn costs – Interesting and cheaper alternative to nearby Scandinavia

Finland

Helsinki costs – Eastern influences make the high prices worth a visit

France

Nice costs – The cheapest city in the south of France is a great budget base
Paris costs – Expensive, stunningly beautiful, and fascinating

Germany

Berlin costs – Interesting, friendly, and reasonably priced look at the former East
Hamburg costs – Germany's second largest city has much to offer in addition to the Beatles attractions and the Red Light District
Munich costs – Germany's most pleasant city is Bavarian and efficient

Greece

Athens costs – Several important sights make this sprawling city worth at least a short stop

Hungary

Budapest costs – Lovely and cheap, plus filled with affordable spa possibilities

Iceland

Reykjavik costs – Compact and interesting, and not as expensive as before

Ireland

Dublin costs – A must-stop gateway to the real charm of Ireland
Galway costs – Cheaper than Dublin and where to see traditional music performances

Italy

Florence costs – The heart of Tuscany is filled with interesting sights
Milan costs – An easy to reach and very different city known for fashion and banking
Naples costs – The home of pizza and Pompeii is definitely worth a visit if you have time
Rome costs – Confusing, expensive, and you just have to see for yourself
Venice costs – Touristy but absolutely worth a night or two

Luxembourg

Luxembourg City costs – This small and forgotten country has a picturesque and charming capital that is worth a stop between Brussels and Paris

Monaco

Monaco costs – Playground for the rich, a good day trip from Nice

Netherlands

Amsterdam costs – Beautiful city center loaded with museums, plus coffeeshops

Norway

Oslo costs – The extremely expensive gateway to Norway's scenic northern destinations

Poland

Krakow costs – Charming and still very cheap – a great travel bargain
Warsaw costs – The booming capital is likely to continue to gain fans as it modernizes.

Portugal

Lisbon costs – Interesting and nothing like next-door Spain

Romania

Bucharest costs – This huge city gets mixed reviews from many tourists, but it's cheap and interesting, to say the least.

Russia

Moscow costs – Interesting and challenging, plus quite expensive for most
St. Petersburg costs – The former capital is known for museums and palaces

Scotland

Edinburgh costs – Touristy city center but worthwhile and fun

Spain

Barcelona costs – Great party city and unique culture
Madrid costs – Traditional Spain and very grand

Sweden

Stockholm costs – Beautiful city and very expensive for nearly everything

Switzerland

Zurich costs – Rich, clean, efficient, and very expensive

Turkey

Istanbul costs – East meets west with great sights and markets, plus its cheap

Speaking of Europe prices, here are 7 of the best destinations for a cheap European city break.